Ode for a Royal Wedding

To the leader: according to Lilies. Of the Korahites. A Maskil. A love song.

1My heart overflows with a goodly theme;

I address my verses to the king;

my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

2You are the most handsome of men;

grace is poured upon your lips;

therefore God has blessed you for ever.

3Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,

in your glory and majesty.

4In your majesty ride on victoriously

for the cause of truth and to defend45.4 Cn: Heb and the meekness of the right;

let your right hand teach you dread deeds.

5Your arrows are sharp

in the heart of the king's enemies;

the peoples fall under you.

6Your throne, O God,45.6 Or Your throne is a throne of God, it endures for ever and ever.

Your royal sceptre is a sceptre of equity;

7you love righteousness and hate wickedness.

Therefore God, your God, has anointed you

with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;

8your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.

From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;

9daughters of kings are among your ladies of honour;

at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

10Hear, O daughter, consider and incline your ear;

forget your people and your father's house,

11and the king will desire your beauty.

Since he is your lord, bow to him;

12the people45.12 Heb daughter of Tyre will seek your favour with gifts,

the richest of the people 13with all kinds of wealth.

The princess is decked in her chamber with gold-woven robes;45.13 Or people. 13 All glorious is the princess within, gold embroidery is her clothing

14in many-coloured robes she is led to the king;

behind her the virgins, her companions, follow.

15With joy and gladness they are led along

as they enter the palace of the king.

16In the place of ancestors you, O king,45.16 Heb lacks O king shall have sons;

you will make them princes in all the earth.

17I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations;

therefore the peoples will praise you for ever and ever.